Noteboom The Law Firm

Sustainable Agriculture Training Program Provides Great Benefits

June 9, 2010 - Colin Archipley owns Archi's Acres, which is located near Camp Pendleton, North of San Diego. Archi's Acres is an organic farm where Colin trains veterans in sustainable farming and agriculture.

Archipley is a combat veteran and this farm provides him with a new mission. Both Archipley and the other veterans he trains find that the farm serves multiple roles. Not only does it give them a peaceful place in which to relax, it gives them a place for camaraderie.

The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training Program grew out of Archipley's frustration at seeing so many veterans floundering once they leave the service. In 2007 Archipley and his wife began to use their farm to train willing veterans in:

• Organic agriculture;
• Grove management; and
• Energy and water efficient hydroponic techniques.

Veterans suffering from either physical or mental injuries may be able to get a referral to the farm from the San Diego VA Healthcare system. The referral will come through the VA's Compensated Work Therapy Program and will absorb some of the employment-training costs associated with the farm.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have unemployment rates much higher than civilians. Not being able to support themselves feeds into the depression many of these soldiers are already experiencing.

Not only does Archi's Acres teach veterans a marketable skill, it provides a place to relax - the exact opposite experience of being in combat. The farm is its own support system, which is something every person needs in their life.

Archi's Acres works on many different levels and its positive effect spans generations of veterans. Once again the adage, "veterans help veterans" has been proven true. If Archipley's vision comes to fruition, the farm will host many more trainees with the more experienced veterans serving as managers on the farm.